VETERANS in the Wee County are once again able to meet up and access support, thanks to a drop-in space being set up in Alloa.

The Wee County Veterans and Supporters Group was delighted to return with a space set up within the ACE premises at The Whins, following a hiatus due to coronavirus

The drop-in centre is welcoming veterans from around Clackmannanshire each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10.30am and around 2.30pm.

On offer are a cuppa and friendly chat in a welcoming space.

Veterans who may be facing any issues are also able to ask for assistance and receive directions to further support available in the area.

Jo Wilkinson, chair of the Wee County Veterans support group, said: “I'm very happy now that we are in ACE and I'm very grateful to Anthea Coulter at CTSi (Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface) for giving us the opportunity to have this pilot project.”

At the start of the pandemic and lockdown, all Wee County Veterans meetings, which were being held at Sauchie Resource Centre a short walk away from ACE at the time, had to be cancelled as the public health crisis developed.

However, thanks to some hard work behind the scenes, the group is able to provide companionship, support and advice for Clackmannanshire's veterans once again.

Provost Tina Murphy, Clackmannanshire Council's champion for veterans, visited the new space last Tuesday, August 25, to officially declare it open.

She said: “I was delighted to formally open the Wee County Veterans new drop-in space at The Whins.

“This new facility offers local veterans a place to meet up and they will also be able to receive advice and support on a range of issues.”

The drop-in space could also support the delivery of initiatives such as the Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Speaking to the Advertiser, the project's Ally Gemmell highlighted that while support continued to be available remotely throughout the pandemic, nothing can replace a face-to-face conversation.

Indeed, the level of demand for the service has increased during the lockdown.

Meanwhile, the Wee County Veterans and Supporters Group is set to mark its fifth anniversary in September.

Last year, the occasion was marked when first-issue D-Day coins were given to ex-forces personnel as they gathered at Sauchie Resource Centre to celebrate.